Liquid handling apparatus and container

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an apparatus for the transfer of fluid or fuel, including, in one embodiment a container where a flexible tube is associated with a first opening in the container and where a vacuum pump is associated with a second opening in the container. The vacuum pump, a manually operated device, is suitable for creating a vacuum within the container so as to initiate the flow of liquid through a siphoning tube. Furthermore, the vacuum pump is an inexpensive design and is not directly exposed to the liquid being siphoned or stored within the container. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the method of using a diverter and an end-weighted siphon tube, operatively connected to a vacuum source, in order to more easily transfer liquid from an enclosed reservoir.

CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] Priority is claimed from the following Provisional Application for patent, which is hereby incorporated by reference for its teachings:

[0002] “LIQUID HANDLING APPARATUS AND CONTAINER,” Cromwell et al., Application No. 60/205,445, filed May 19, 2000. (Dkt. 2000-04P).

[0003] This invention relates generally to a liquid handling apparatus, and more particularly to an improved and safer fuel pumping and siphoning apparatus, and a storage container for use therewith.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is directed to a liquid and fuel extracting apparatus and an associated temporary storage container having improved safety features and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0005] Heretofore, a number of patents and publications have disclosed fuel pumping systems and siphons, the relevant portions of which may be briefly summarized as follows:

[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 503,232, 892,254, 895,694 and 4,548,088 each depict and describe a siphon/pump system where a tank may be filed. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 4,548,088 teaches a flexible tube that extends from the receptacle to be sampled to the head of a collection jar, and a coupling mechanism 20 for removably attaching the flexible tube to the jar head.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 892,254 illustrates and describes a tank with a removable cover having a first opening adapted to connect to a flexible tube, and a second opening in air-tight communication with the suction chamber of a pump. A similar apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 503,232 and 895,694, both of which speak to a siphoning system that is initiated by a pump mechanism.

[0008] On the other hand, none of the various patents teach a portable tank negatively pressurized by a pump that is removably attached to an opening in the tank, nor the use of a fill-spout on such a tank to create an airtight connection with a length of flexible hose. Furthermore, each of the pump mechanisms disclosed are of conventional construction, and do not disclose the cost-saving features of the redesigned pump used in the present invention. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a liquid handling apparatus, comprising: a portable tank including a first opening and a second opening; a length of tubing attached to the first opening of said portable tank, so as to form an air-tight connection between the tubing and the portable tank; and a vacuum pump attached to the second opening of said portable tank in an airtight manner, the pump being suitable for producing a negative pressure within the portable tank when a handle of the pump is operated by a user, wherein a free end of the tube is inserted into a liquid reservoir and where operation of the pump by the user creates a negative pressure sufficient to transfer liquid from the liquid reservoir to the portable tank.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid handling apparatus, comprising in series: a length of tubing; a portable tank including a first opening and a second opening, wherein the tubing is attached to the first opening of said portable tank, so as to form an air-tight connection between the tubing and the portable tank; and a vacuum pump attached to the second opening of said portable tank in an airtight manner, the pump being suitable for producing a vacuum within the portable tank when a handle of the pump is operated by a user; wherein a free end of the tube is inserted into a liquid reservoir and where the vacuum draws the liquid from the liquid reservoir.

[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of siphoning liquid from a reservoir having a fill-hole associated therewith, comprising the steps of: inserting, into the fill-hole, a diverter so as to provide unobstructed access to the reservoir; inserting, through the diverter and into liquid in the reservoir, a first end of a siphon tube having a weighted fitting inserted therein; sealingly attaching an opposite end of the siphon tube to a vacuum source so as to draw liquid from the reservoir into the siphon tubing to a level below the surface of the liquid in the reservoir; and allowing the liquid drawn into the siphon tube to flow freely into a container. One aspect of the invention deals with a basic problem of storing fuel, and in siphoning fuels and other liquids—exposure to the fuel and storage thereof. This aspect is further based on the discovery of a technique that alleviates this problem. The technique uses a portable tank or container connected to a tube to establish the vacuum necessary to initiate pumping or siphoning from a reservoir via a vacuum pump. In a pumping mode, the amount of liquid transferred is controlled by a user operating a manual pump that negatively pressurizes the tank. In the siphoning mode, once siphoning is initiated, pumping may be stopped and the siphoning process may be used to fill the portable tank to a desired level. After siphoning, the portable tank is suitable for use as a filling tank to transfer the fuel or liquid, or as a temporary storage tank as contemplated by traditional gasoline and similar containers.

[0011] The technique described above is advantageous because it is enabled by a simple, low-cost apparatus as compared to other approaches. Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of using a diverter in combination with a siphon tube having a weighted end—the siphon tube being operatively connected to a vacuum source—in order to more easily transfer liquid from an enclosed reservoir. Moreover, these approaches make it unnecessary to have large gasoline or fuel storage containers in one's possession or to risk the dangers of filling and transporting such containers in personal vehicles. The apparatus described herein can be adapted to siphon and pump any of a number of liquids or fuels. In addition, it can be used to temporarily store the fuel retrieved from a vehicle. As a result of the invention, there is little need for the storage of large quantities of gasoline in a residence as the amount needed at any time may be easily retrieved from a vehicle and any excess can be returned to the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective illustrations of the present invention in accordance with a alternative embodiments thereof;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a detailed assembly illustration of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0014]FIG. 4 is an orthogonal view of a diverter for use when the present invention is employed to siphon fuel from an automobile;

[0015]FIG. 5 is an illustration of the tubing and an end adaptor employed in a siphoning embodiment for the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 6 is an orthographic view of a fitting to be used in association with the tubing of FIG. 5.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adapter used with the tubing of FIG. 5;

[0018]FIGS. 8 and 9 are illustrations of a manual vacuum pump used in accordance with one aspect of the invention in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

[0019]FIG. 10 is an illustration of the assembly for the embodiments of FIG. 1 and 2 employed for long-term storage of liquids in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0020] The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. In describing the present invention, the following term(s) have been used in the description.

[0022] A “portable tank” is any liquid tight container used for the enclosed storage of a liquid therein. While size may be a factor in determining the portability of the tank, the present invention is not intended to be limited in any way by the size of the tank.

[0023] Re-fill Configuration

[0024] Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, depicted therein are alternative embodiments for the present invention in a re-fill configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a portable tank 12 including a first cylindrically shaped opening 16 and a second cylindrically shaped opening 30. Tank 12 is preferably manufactured using a blow molding process. While various materials may be employed for construction of the tank 12 a high-density, high molecular weight polyethylene material such as Solvay K44 is preferred for applications where gasoline or other oil derivative products may be employed. Furthermore, the highdensity, high molecular weight polyethylene may be used exclusively, or mixed with up to twenty-five percent of high-density polyethylene.

[0025] Each of the first and second openings is preferably round in cross-section and is formed as a cylindrical extension of an upper end of tank 12. The tank 12 and the two openings are connected to form a common cavity. As will be appreciated from FIGS. 1 and 2, the portable tank may also include one or more handles (18A, 18B) or similar means for holding and carrying the tank. Preferably the portable tank includes at least an upper handle 18A wherein the upper handle is available to a user wishing to lift the tank. As depicted in FIG. 1, optional side handle 18B is available for ease of use when the tank is used in a re-fill capacity to pour gasoline or another liquid into a separate reservoir (e.g., fuel tank of a lawn mower or the like).

[0026] In the refill configuration depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, connected to the first opening is a flexible spout 20 made of polyethylene, wherein the flexible spout terminates in a removable, re-closable fitting 22. Referring briefly to FIG. 3, spout 20 is a conventional fill spout having a flexible shoulder-flange 28 at the end contacting opening 16 for liquid-tight attachment to the first opening using a threaded cap 26A as indicated by arrows 29.

[0027] Second opening 30 also includes a threaded cap 26B for sealing the shoulder of a manual vacuum pump 32 therein. As will be further described below, operation of the pump will create a vacuum within the tank 12 and initiate the pumping and siphoning of liquid from a reservoir. Also illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in two different locations, is a vent mechanism 24. The vent mechanism is preferably a reclosable vent that may be opened when the tank is being emptied so as to refill another reservoir (e.g., lawnmower), thereby allowing air to enter the tank and prevent splashing of the liquid or fuel when poured. In the present invention, vent 24 has an additional use while siphoning as will be described below. Vent 24 is preferably a Polyvent (#208-P, Manufactured by Midwest Can, Inc.) and is able to be repeatedly opened or closed by a user to relieve pressure in the tank 12. Vent 24 is preferably manufactured from a 50/50 blend of Allied-Paxon BA50-100 and Bapolene linear LDPE so as to allow it to be fitted in an airtight manner to the tank immediately after molding.

[0028] Siphoning/pumping Operation

[0029] Having described the elements of the apparatus in a re-fill configuration, attention will be turned to the use of the apparatus in a siphoning or pumping configuration, wherein fuel or other liquid can be retrieved from a reservoir and temporarily stored within tank 12. In order to provide a basis for further detailed description of the apparatus, the following sequence of operation is presented to describe two alternatives for operation. In a siphoning mode, the filler-flap diverter 40 of FIG. 4 is inserted into the fill-hole of an automobile or other motor vehicle. Diverter 40 consists of a rigid tube 42 having a shoulder 44 attached thereto, and is preferably constructed from high-density polyethylene, a rigid material or equivalents thereof. In operation, the diverter is inserted into the fill-hole, up to the shoulder, so as to hold the filler-flap mechanism in the fill-hole (not shown) in an open position and prevent the flap mechanism from damaging or collapsing a siphon tube.

[0030] Referring next to FIG. 5, the end 51 of the siphon tube 50 is inserted through the diverter 40 and into the fill-hole until it reaches a point beneath the upper liquid surface. Siphon tube 50 is preferably a polyethylene or similar tubing, at least 0.325 inches in diameter and approximately 6-8 feet in length that is both flexible and capable of withstanding exposure to gasoline and other fuels or synthetic chemicals.

[0031] Referring also to FIG. 6, siphon tube 50 further includes a fitting 52 that is inserted into the end of the tubing 51. In a preferred embodiment, fitting 52 includes a series of raised ridges 54 that, when inserted into the inner diameter of tube 50, serve to frictionally retain the fitting within the tube. Inserted up to shoulder 56, the fitting acts as a weight and, along with the rounded or tapered profile of the exposed fitting end, improves the ease with which siphon tube 50 may be inserted into the gasoline tank of a vehicle. Fitting 52 is preferably cast or machined from a non-sparking metal alloy that is not affected by exposure to the liquid being siphoned/pumped by the present invention, such as a copper-based alloy of brass or bronze.

[0032] The opposite end 53 of the siphon tube 50 is then sealingly connected to the first opening of tank 12, and is done so in a manner so as to assure an air-tight seal between the tube and the tank. Referring also to FIG. 7, tube 50 is connected to the tank by inserting end 53 of the tubing into the upper or open end of flexible spout 20, up to a point where tapered sleeve 57 is affixed to the tube. As depicted in FIG. 7, tapered elastomeric sleeve 57 is made of a conformable material (e.g., rubber or polymer such as Santoprene 101-64) and is configured with a hole therein to flexibly allow tubing 50 to pass therethrough, while creating an air-tight connection between the tubing and the connector. Connector 57 also includes a tapered outer diameter 56 that terminates in an upper end at a shoulder 58. In use, the end 53 of tubing 50, having tapered connector 54 attached thereto, is inserted into flexible spout 20 and the outer diameter of the connector is forced into the end of the spout so as to create a “snug,” airtight seal between the tubing, the tapered connector and the spout. In an alternative embodiment, end 53 of tubing 50 may be connected directly to the tank, or to the end of flexible spout 20 using an alternative, air-tight connector.

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1 and 2, the vent 24 is then closed, and the handle 34 of pump 32 is repeatedly “pumped” in the direction indicated by arrows 36 in order to create a vacuum within the tank 12 and the siphoning tube 50 connected thereto. When sufficient vacuum has been created, the gasoline (liquid) will begin to flow through the siphon tube and into the tank. At this point a user would preferably push the pump handle all the way in and open the vent 24.

[0034] When the tank is filled to a desired level (preferably below the level of the pump and vent), siphoning may be stopped by raising the tank 12 above the level of the automobile gasoline tank, pulling the siphon tube out of the fill-hole, or perhaps even closing the vent to prevent the further displacement of air—causing the tank 12 to pressurize.

[0035] It should also be appreciated by those familiar with siphoning apparatus, that the method and apparatus described above may be modified, and that the improved siphon tube 50 (with weighted end) and diverter 40 may be used in combination with other vacuum pumps to initiate the siphoning process. In particular, the diverter and end-weighted siphon tube makes it easier to “snake” the siphon tube into vehicle gas tanks or other enclosed reservoirs. While the preferred embodiment depicted herein incorporates a vacuum pump operatively associated with a container 12, so as to assure that the liquid is retained within a container, it is also possible to directly connect the vacuum pump 32 to the siphoning tube and create sufficient vacuum to draw liquid into tube 50 and initiate siphoning from the reservoir.

[0036] Alternatively, the above operation may be modified in situations where the level of the liquid reservoir is lower than the level at which the portable tank may be placed—where siphoning is not possible. In such a situation, it is possible for a user to continuously operate the pump in a manner sufficient to create head pressure (vacuum in the portable tank) and to draw the liquid from the lower reservoir and into the portable tank. In such a configuration, the desired level of liquid or fuel is controlled by operation of the pump and the vent cap would be left closed until pumping was completed. It will be appreciated that in such an embodiment, a user may be able to extract fuel or oil from a piece of equipment below the level of the tank. For example, the present invention may be employed in the servicing of nautical equipment, for removal of oil from engines located within a boat hull during servicing.

[0037] Having described the operation of the present invention in accordance with a siphoning and alternative pumping operation, the particular configuration for siphoning/pumping, and alternatives thereof, will now be further described. Referring, in particular, to FIGS. 8 and 9, there are depicted cross-sectional views of the pump 32 used in a vacuum-pumping mode (FIG. 8) and a recoil mode (FIG. 9). In particular, pump 32 is a manual pump intended to be operated by a user.

[0038] An exemplary pump 32, configured so as to provide an air pumping capability, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,372 to Yang (issued Dec. 19, 1995), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It will, however, be appreciated that alternative vacuum pump configurations may be employed. Pump 32 includes a cylinder 60 defining a nozzle 62 through a first end thereof and an opening through a second end. The second end is preferably sealed around a plunger 64 by a plate 65 that extends a distance slightly larger than the outside diameter of the cylinder in order to create a shoulder 66. Shoulder 66 has an O-ring 67 fitting against the shoulder 65 so as to provide an airtight seal when the pump is assembled in opening 30 of tank 12. Alternatively, the tapered portion of cylinder 60 (region 61) may have a flexible gasket around the perimeter thereof so as to provide such a seal without a shoulder. Plunger 64 further includes a stem 70 and a piston 72 formed at an end of the stem, the piston comprising first (74) and second (76) disks spaced from each other and a plurality of holes defined through the first disk.

[0039] In one configuration, pump 32 has a cylinder length of slightly longer than three inches and an inside diameter of approximately one inch. The displacement of such a is approximately 2.35 cubic inches of air per stroke of the plunger. While a pump such a size is suitable for initiating a siphoning operation or pumping of low viscosity fluids, it will be appreciated that the pumping operation would be facilitated with a longer pump stroke and/or larger diameter cylinder. Hence, the specified pump is considered a minimum size, and pumps with longer cylinder lengths, for example approaching six inches, are contemplated for use in the present invention.

[0040] Pump 32 also includes a check valve (preferably a ball-type valve with a seat—in a configuration opposite that depicted by Yang) in communication with the nozzle 62, said check valve allowing the ingress of air through the nozzle when the plunger is pulled upward by the user and substantially preventing the egress of air from the nozzle when the plunger is pushed downward by the user. Alternatively, the check valve may be a flexible elastomeric disk that is positioned at the end of the cylinder near the nozzle (not shown) as is well-known in various pumping apparatus. Piston 72 also includes a sealing device mounted between the first and second disks of the piston. The sealing device, an O-ring 78 (perhaps with a light coating of lubricant applied thereto), is moved back and forth between a position in contact with the first disk 74 and the second disk 76. When in contact with the first disk, air is allowed to flow through the holes in the first disk. When the sealing device is in contact with the second disk, a sealing of the piston to the wall of cylinder is accomplished and upon extracting the plunger a vacuum is created within the cylinder (and therefore the tank 12 into which the pump is inserted.

[0041] Alternatively, in place or in conjunction with the O-ring 78, pump 32 may include a flexible disk or flapper associated with a surface of the first disk, so as to allow the passage of air through at least one of said plurality of holes when the plunger is pushed downward by the user and substantially preventing the egress of air from the nozzle when the plunger is pulled upward by the user. Such a configuration is also well-known in inflation pumps associated with sporting equipment.

[0042] Long-term Storage

[0043] In a yet another embodiment, tank 12 may be employed for the long-term storage of the liquid of fuel obtained by pumping or siphoning as described above. Referring to FIG. 10, long-term storage of liquids such as gasoline is accomplished by sealing of the two cylindrical openings 16 and 30 using storage seals or disks 80 and 82. The storage disks are preferably made of a resilient material such as Nitrile (durometer 55) so as to seal the lip of openings 16 and 30 when threaded caps 26A and 26B are threaded onto mating threads on the outside of openings 16 and 30, respectively. Tightening of the caps results in a compression of the storage disks against the rim of the opening and sealing is completed so as to prevent the evaporation of the liquid and the escape of volatile organic compounds.

[0044] In recapitulation, the present invention is a method and apparatus for improved pumping, siphoning and storage of liquids including fuel. The apparatus includes a container where a flexible tube is associated with a first opening in the container and where a vacuum pump is associated with a second opening in the container. The vacuum pump, a manually operated device, is suitable for creating a vacuum within the container so as to initiate the flow of liquid through a siphoning tube. Furthermore, the vacuum pump is an inexpensive design and is not directly exposed to the liquid being siphoned or stored within the tank.

[0045] It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for safely accomplishing the siphoning/pumping, temporary storage and subsequent disbursement of liquids such as fuels. While this invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A liquid handling apparatus, comprising: a portable tank including a first opening and a second opening; a length of tubing attached to the first opening of said portable tank, so as to form an air-tight connection between the tubing and the portable tank; and a vacuum pump attached to the second opening of said portable tank in an airtight manner, the pump being suitable for producing a negative pressure within the portable tank when a handle of the pump is operated by a user; wherein a free end of the tube is inserted into a liquid reservoir and where operation of the pump by the user creates a negative pressure sufficient to draw the liquid from the liquid reservoir into the portable tank.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir has a fluid level higher than the bottom of the portable tank, and where operation of the pump creates a negative pressure sufficient to initiate siphoning of the liquid from the liquid reservoir in order to transfer the liquid to the portable tank.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said vacuum pump is inserted so as to be substantially concealed within the portable tank, such that only the handle extends beyond the cavity defined by the portable tank.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said vacuum pump is a manual pump, comprising: a cylinder defining a nozzle through a first end and having an opening through a second end; a plunger comprising a stem and a piston formed at an end of the stem; a check valve in communication with the nozzle, said check valve allowing the ingress of air through the nozzle when the plunger is pulled upward by the user and substantially preventing the egress of air from the nozzle when the plunger is pushed downward by the user; a movable sealing device mounted between the first and second disks of the piston; and a handle formed at an opposite end of the stem.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the cylinder is of a length suitable to provide a piston stroke length of at least three inches.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the cylinder is of a size suitable to provide a displacement of at least 2.35 cubic inches per stroke.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the piston comprises first and second disks spaced from each other and a plurality of holes defined through the first disk thereof, and where the sealing device is an O-ring mounted between the first and second disks of the piston so as to allow the passage of air through at least one of said plurality of holes defined through the first disk when the plunger is pushed downward by the user and substantially preventing the egress of air from the nozzle when the plunger is pulled upward by the user.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second opening and said vacuum pump are positioned so as to avoid direct contact with siphoned fluid that is collected within the cavity defined by the portable tank.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a flexible spout wherein the flexible spout is suitable for receiving one end of the length of tubing to be inserted therein.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the free end of the tube further comprises a weighted fitting inserted therein, and where the fitting has a rounded profile on an outer end thereof.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a pair of storage seals, wherein the length of tubing and vacuum pump may be removed from the portable tank, the seals inserted into openings left by the removal of the tubing and pump, and where the portable tank may be employed for storage of the liquid.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first opening is a first cylindrical spout extending from the top of the portable tank and the second opening is a second cylindrical spout extending from the top of the portable tank, and where the apparatus further includes a handle spanning between the first cylindrical spout and the second cylindrical spout.
 13. A liquid handling apparatus, comprising: a portable tank including a first opening and a second opening; a length of tubing attached, at one end, to the first opening of said portable tank, so as to form an air-tight connection between the tubing and the portable tank; and a vacuum pump attached to the second opening of said portable tank in an airtight manner, the pump being suitable for producing a negative pressure within the portable tank when the pump is operated by a user; wherein a free end of the tube is inserted into a liquid reservoir having a fluid level higher than the bottom of the portable tank, such that operation of the pump by the user creates a negative pressure sufficient to draw the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the portable tank, and where said pump is employed only to evacuate air from the tank and the length of tubing to initiate siphoning.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said vacuum pump is inserted so as to be substantially concealed within the portable tank, such that only a handle of said pump extends beyond the cavity defined by the portable tank.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein said vacuum pump is a manual pump, comprising: a cylinder defining a nozzle through a first end and having an opening through a second end; a plunger comprising a stem and a piston formed at an end of the stem; a check valve in communication with the nozzle, said check valve allowing the ingress of air through the nozzle when the plunger is pulled upward by the user and substantially preventing the egress of air from the nozzle when the plunger is pushed downward by the user; a movable sealing device mounted between the first and second disks of the piston; and the handle formed at an opposite end of the stem.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the cylinder is of a size suitable to provide a displacement of at least 2.35 cubic inches per stroke.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the piston comprises first and second disks spaced from each other and a plurality of holes defined through the first disk thereof, and where the sealing device is an O-ring mounted between the first and second disks of the piston so as to allow the passage of air through at least one of said plurality of holes defined through the first disk when the plunger is pushed downward by the user and substantially preventing the egress of air from the nozzle when the plunger is pulled upward by the user.
 18. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the second opening and said vacuum pump are positioned so as to avoid direct contact with siphoned fluid that is collected within the cavity defined by the portable tank.
 19. The apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising a flexible spout wherein the flexible spout terminates in a removable fitting, said fitting being suitable for receiving one end of the length of tubing to be inserted therein and creating an airtight seal between the tubing and the spout.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the free end of the tube further comprises a weighted fitting inserted therein, and where the fitting has a rounded profile on an outer end thereof.
 21. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the first opening is a first cylindrical spout extending from the top of the portable tank and the second opening is a second cylindrical spout extending from the top of the portable tank, and where the apparatus further includes a handle spanning between the first cylindrical spout and the second cylindrical spout.
 22. A liquid handling apparatus, comprising in series: a length of tubing; a portable tank including at least a first opening and a second opening, wherein a first end of the tubing is attached to the first opening of said portable tank, so as to form an air-tight connection between the first end of the tubing and the portable tank; and a vacuum pump removably attached to the second opening of said portable tank in an airtight manner, the pump having a handle driving a plunger therein and being suitable for producing a vacuum within the portable tank when the handle is operated by a user; wherein a free end of the tube is inserted into a liquid reservoir having a liquid level higher than that of the portable tank and where the vacuum draws the liquid from the liquid reservoir and into the portable tank to initiate siphoning of the liquid.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein said vacuum pump is inserted within the second opening so as to be substantially concealed within the portable tank, such that only the handle extends beyond the portable tank.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein said vacuum pump is a manual pump, comprising: a cylinder defining a nozzle through a first end and having an opening through a second end; a plunger comprising a stem and a piston formed at an end of the stem; a check valve in communication with the nozzle, said check valve allowing the ingress of air through the nozzle when the plunger is pulled upward by the user and substantially preventing the egress of air from the nozzle when the plunger is pushed downward by the user; a movable sealing device mounted between the first and second disks of the piston; and a handle formed at an opposite end of the stem.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the cylinder is of a size suitable to provide a displacement of at least 2.35 cubic inches per stroke.
 26. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the piston comprises first and second disks spaced from each other and a plurality of holes defined through the first disk thereof, and where the sealing device is an O-ring mounted between the first and second disks of the piston so as to allow the passage of air through at least one of said plurality of holes defined through the first disk when the plunger is pushed downward by the user and substantially preventing the egress of air from the nozzle when the plunger is pulled upward by the user.
 27. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the second opening and said vacuum pump are positioned so as to avoid direct contact with siphoned fluid that is collected within the cavity defined by the portable tank.
 28. The apparatus of claim 22 , further comprising a flexible spout wherein the flexible spout is suitable for receiving one end of the length of tubing to be inserted therein, the tubing being fitted to the spout with an elastomeric sleeve to form the airtight connection.
 29. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the free end of the tube further comprises a weighted fitting inserted therein, and where the fitting has a rounded profile on an outer end thereof.
 30. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the first opening is a first cylindrical spout extending from the top of the portable tank and the second opening is a second cylindrical spout extending from the top of the portable tank, and where the apparatus further includes a handle spanning between the first cylindrical spout and the second cylindrical spout.
 31. A method of siphoning liquid from a reservoir having a fill-hole associated therewith, comprising the steps of: inserting, into the fill-hole, a diverter so as to provide unobstructed access to the reservoir; inserting, through the diverter and into liquid in the reservoir, a first end of a siphon tube having a weighted fitting inserted therein; sealingly attaching an opposite end of the siphon tube to a vacuum source so as to draw liquid from the reservoir into the siphon tubing to a level below the surface of the liquid in the reservoir; and allowing the liquid drawn into the siphon tube to flow freely therefrom.
 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the vacuum source is a hand-operated vacuum pump, and where the step of attaching the opposite end of the siphon tube to a vacuum source includes operatively connecting the siphon tube to the vacuum pump using an air-tight seal.
 33. The method of claim 32 , wherein the liquid withdrawn from the reservoir is directed to a container, and where the process of forming an air-tight seal includes the steps of: inserting the opposite end of the siphon tube into an elastomeric sleeve configured with a hole therein and a tapered outer diameter to flexibly allow the siphon tubing to pass therethrough while creating an air-tight connection between the tubing and the sleeve; and inserting the tubing and the attached sleeve into an opening in the container up to a shoulder on the sleeve so as to produce an interference fit between the outer diameter of the sleeve and the container opening and thereby create an airtight seal with the elastomeric sleeve.
 34. The method of claim 31 , wherein the fitting attached to the end of the siphon tube has a rounded profile to improve the ease with which the siphon tube may be inserted into the reservoir. 